‘We did not authorise use of fire arms’—police IGP

Gambia’s police chief has issued a statement saying he did not authorise the use of fire arms against protesters in Faraba.

“The office of the Inspector General of Police wishes to make it clear that it did not authorize the use of fire arms and will investigate the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident,” the police said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

“The Office of the Inspector General of Police wishes to express sincere condolences to the bereaved families and promise that appropriate action will be taken.”

The police confirmed that residents of Faraba Banta and personnel of The Gambia Police Force were involved in a clash that led to the “regrettable death” of Bakary Kujabi and Ismaila Bah and injury to several others.

“The community of Faraba Banta is hereby urged to keep the peace, be law abiding and refrain from violence while investigations are launched,” the statement added.

The natives of Faraba are protesting against a sand mining company that has been given a contract to mine in the area by the Government.

The locals said the mining in the area is destroying their rice fields which are their only means of survival.